The first stand-alone Laura Ashley store is to open five and a half years after the group’s collapse.
A 10,000sqft branch will debut at the Lakeside Retail Park, Thurrock on 26 September: what would have been Laura Ashley’s 100th birthday.
The unit will be operated by Next on behalf of Laura Ashley brand owner Marquee Brands.
‘Laura Ashley stores have always been destinations of inspiration, where consumers could explore and immerse themselves in the brand’s world of design. We are proud to reintroduce this experience in a refreshed retail concept. This opening represents a significant milestone in Laura Ashley’s return to the UK retail market and signals the next phase of growth for the brand,’ says Rachael Terrace, Marquee Brands chief commercial and growth officer.
‘We’re excited to be partnering with Marquee Brands to reintroduce Laura Ashley’s physical store presence in the UK. This new space offers customers the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the world of Laura Ashley, discovering the wide range of collections available from interiors to womens and childrenswear, all within a fresh and inspiring environment, in one of the UK’s best retail locations,’ says Next.
Marquee, which bought the brand in January, is ‘the premier accelerator of timeless brands, unlocking value and building global influence. With a focus on driving growth and building sustainable brand equity, we partner with the best-in-class manufacturers, operators, retailers and distributors to scale brands across markets and channels.’ It has three sectors: home and culinary; fashion and lifestyle; and expressive luxury and active and outdoor. Its portfolio of brands includes Martha Stewart, Sur La Table, Emeril Lagasse, America’s Test Kitchen, BCBGMAXAZRIA, BCBG, Ben Sherman, Bruno Maglie, Anti Social Social Club, Totes, Isotoner, Destination Maternity, Motherhood, A Pea in the Pod, Dakine and Body Glove.
